Trump Administration Dropping Bond Requirement for World Cup Travelers

Foreign visitors who are confirmed FIFA World Cup ticket holders will not have to pay a bond that had been required by the Trump administration, according to the Associated Press.

The State Department issued the bond requirement last year for travelers from 50 countries that the department said had high rates of people overstaying their visas and other security issues. Five of those countries — Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia — will be taking part in the World Cup.

Citizens from those countries are now exempt from paying the bond requirement, which could cost as much as $15,000 per person. Players, coaches and some staff were already exempt from the requirement.

“The United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history,” Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar told the AP. “We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets” and opted in to the FIFA Pass system that allows expedited visa appointments as of April 15.

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of advocacy group U.S. Travel, said in a statement, “We welcome the administration’s decision to waive bond requirements for confirmed World Cup ticket holders — a smart, targeted move that will make it easier for more international fans to experience the tournament in the United States.

“The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase America at its best and strengthen our position as the world’s most sought-after travel destination. Every fan who visits leaves as an ambassador for future travel to the U.S.”

The travel situation is just one major headline facing the start of the event, including issues with ticket prices and transportation.

The World Cup will take place in the U.S. Canada and Mexico beginning on June 11 with a match in Mexico City. The first match in the U.S. is the following day, with the U.S. Men’s National Team taking on Paraguay at SoFi Stadium outside Los Angeles.

The Trump administration has already barred travelers from Iran and Haiti to the U.S., though those teams and their coaches and support staff are exempt.

This is the latest development by the federal government that led Amnesty International to issue a “World Cup travel advisory” that aimed to make travelers aware of what it called “rising authoritarianism and increasing violence” in the United States due to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Visa applicants from the affected countries are required to pay $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 in bonds, though that money is refunded if the traveler complies with terms of the visa or if the application is denied.

To keep up with all the latest developments related to the World Cup, follow our tracker.